why make this recipe
This dish cooks fast and tastes bright. The skin gets crispy, the fish stays moist, and the lemon garlic butter adds clear, fresh flavor. It is a simple weeknight meal that looks and feels special.
introduction
This recipe uses simple steps and few ingredients. It is good for people who want a quick, healthy dinner with bold taste. If you enjoy rich garlic butter flavors, you may also like this similar seafood idea: crispy lobster bites with garlic butter sauce.
how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
Work in a hot pan and keep the fish skin-side down first. Press the fillets at the start so the skin stays flat and cooks evenly. After you flip the fish, add butter and garlic and spoon the sauce over the fish to keep it moist and flavorful. For a different take on cod, try this guide for strips with a sweet chili lime twist: garlic butter cod strips with sweet chili lime sauce.
Ingredients :
- 2 cod fillets (skin-on, about 180–200 g each)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Zest of 1⁄2 lemon
- Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Directions :
- Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, place cod skin-side down and press gently for 20-30 seconds, then cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden.
- Flip the cod, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and baste the fish with melted garlic butter for 1-2 minutes.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chili flakes if using, cooking until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with crispy skin facing up.
how to serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
Serve the fillets right away so the skin stays crisp. Good sides are steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. Spoon extra garlic butter over the fish and plate the fillets with the skin facing up.
how to store Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
Cool the cooked fish to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 150°C / 300°F) to help keep the texture. Note: the skin will lose crispness after storing.
tips to make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
- Dry the skin well before cooking for the best crispiness.
- Use a hot pan and do not move the fish while the skin side cooks.
- Press the fillet down briefly when it first hits the pan to keep the skin flat.
- Finish by spooning the garlic butter over the fish to add flavor and moisture.
- Cook just until the fish flakes easily to avoid drying it out.
variation (if any)
- Add capers for a briny bite.
- Use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
- Add a splash of white wine to the pan before basting for extra depth.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cod?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. Dry skin is key for crisping.
Q: How do I know the cod is cooked?
A: It is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Q: Can I use other fish?
A: Yes. Firm white fish like haddock or halibut work well with this method.
Q: Can I make the garlic butter ahead?
A: You can melt butter and mix in garlic ahead, but add it to the pan at the end for best flavor.
Conclusion
For a tested lemon garlic butter cod idea, see this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe – Cooking Classy which offers another clear, simple method and helpful tips.
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, place cod skin-side down and press gently for 20-30 seconds, then cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden.
- Flip the cod, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and baste the fish with melted garlic butter for 1-2 minutes.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chili flakes if using, cooking until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with crispy skin facing up.